A late afternoon update to the Play Store just hit the scene. While we've only witnessed a single new dialog box in the live app, there are plenty of things standing out from a teardown. Preparation for Android 6.0 is clearly a big part of this release as signs pop up for support of the new optional permission model and fingerprint readers. There is also an uninstall manager in the works for those times when you've run out of space. We can also look forward to a new interface for requesting refunds and an option to get very precise recommendations based on location. And if you just can't wait to get the latest version, hit the download link below.

What's New

If you're looking for something new in the latest Play Store, and if you're using Android M Developer Preview 3, check out any app that targets API 23. A popup appears the first time one of these apps is downloaded, letting users know that their experience will be a bit different with the new permission model. For now, the list of apps is limited mostly to Google's own line-up, LastPass (pictured above), and a rare few others who have been quick to get updates out since the release of the SDK a few weeks ago.

Teardown

Disclaimer: Teardowns are necessarily speculative and usually based on incomplete evidence. It's possible that the guesses made here are totally and completely wrong. There is always a chance that details may change or plans may be cancelled prior to the launch of a new feature discovered in a teardown. Much like rumors, nothing is certain until it's officially announced.

The new Play Store adds a handful of new permissions that may be of interest. Most of these additions are dedicated to reading SMS messages and the contact list. This is almost certainly related to the App Invite system announced back in May, which can use this information to show those recommendations right in the Play Store, along with who sent them. Another permission is used to get size details about apks installed on the device, but we'll get to more detail about that one shortly. Finally, there is one for accessing Fingerprint readers, and that's where this teardown really starts.

Fingerprint Readers

Android M has plenty of headlining features, but the two we've been talking about constantly are the new optional permissions and built-in integration with fingerprint readers. If nothing else, the leaked images of the LG Nexus 5X and Huawei Nexus 6 (or whatever they will be called) are a constant reminder that we can expect overly obvious reader panels on many of our phones for the foreseeable future. With this knowledge, we could have easily guessed that the Play Store would soon accept the tap a digit to skip those obnoxious password prompts when we buy a new app. Now we have our evidence:

strings

Strings

<string name="fingerprint_auth_settings_description">For Google Play purchases on this device</string>
<string name="fingerprint_auth_settings_label">Fingerprint authentication</string>
<string name="fingerprint_failed_first_attempt">"Try again. Fingerprint not recognized. Be sure you're using the correct finger."</string>
<string name="fingerprint_failed_last_attempt">"Try one last time. If the next attempt fails, you'll need to enter your password."</string>
<string name="fingerprint_locked_password">A new fingerprint was added to this device, so a password is required</string>
<string name="fingerprint_locked_pin">A new fingerprint was added to this device, so a PIN is required</string>
<string name="fingerprint_not_recognized">Try again. Fingerprint not recognized.</string>
<string name="fingerprint_opt_in">Use fingerprint for future purchases</string>
<string name="fingerprint_scan_successful">Scan successful</string>
<string name="fingerprint_scanning">Touch the sensor to continue</string>
<string name="fingerprint_title">Touch sensor</string>

The important line simply reads, "use fingerprint for future purchases," which removes any doubt that the Play Store will offer the same purchase flow iOS users now have with the App Store. Most of the remaining text is instructional, with a few lines dedicated to basic error messages.

This function doesn't appear to be working with existing devices with fingerprint readers, but it's likely Google simply hasn't turned it on yet. We'll have to wait to find out if Android 6.0 APIs are a requirement or if OEM implementations like Samsung's will also work.

Uninstall Manager

We live in a world with apps that keep getting bigger and built-in storage that's not exactly keeping up. Between phones with 20 MP cameras and games that regularly average between 400 MB and a couple of gigs, it's easy to run out of space. Google knows this and plans to assist in some basic management. There is an upcoming feature called "Uninstall Manager" that will make it easy to pick out the overweight apps that get in the way the next time you're trying to install something.

The Uninstall Manager will most likely appear when an app fails to download or install due to shortage of available space. A look at the layouts reveals that it will be fairly simple in nature. There will be a list of apps and their physical size on the device, along with checkboxes next to each. Selecting each app marks it for uninstall. Once enough have been chosen to make space for the incoming app, a tap of a button will finish the task.

This interface focuses on apps, but doesn't acknowledge other potentially problematic consumers like photos, music, and video. Uninstall Manager doesn't seem to be live yet, or at least our tests weren't able to make it appear.

GPS-Precise Recommendations

Many years ago (well, three), the Play Store began experimenting with recommendations based on your friends and location. Now it looks like there's a little more motion on that project, so to speak. A new setting is being prepared (not yet visible, but it's there) that can enable or disable the use of "precise location" to generate recommendations. The description specifically references the use of GPS. No other details are given, but we can probably expect to see more about this in the near future.

Download

The APK is signed by Google and upgrades your existing app. The cryptographic signature guarantees that the file is safe to install and was not tampered with in any way. Rather than wait for Google to push this download to your devices, which can take days, download and install it just like any other APK.

In most of the web pages of their services they have already added services but less famous or not yet older, and only in Apps at Google, Google+, Maps, Translator and Street View

Mark Curtis

All those "Google Play (store, moves & tv, music, games)" icons in my Nexus Player that I doubt will ever be updated...

Kiwini

At least there was an update with the new logo to the Google app/Google launcher & News - although the latter's first update included a dog edition that said it was beta. They quickly updated it again. Yes the Play Store needs the new logo

I hope so. The current 'fold' look doesn't suit Material Design. It needs to be ironed out.

alvareo

Wasn't that icon released along with Lollipop? or am I wrong?

Badouken

Yes, Its folding... like paper... material... shiny shiny!

Tomfoolery

Yep, with Google Play Store v5.0

Truth be told, I actually preferred the previous icon to the current one, nicer on my eyes. Here's a comparison.

alvareo

Yep, me too.

neonix

I think it's an ugly icon and they could have done better, but you're mistaken that it doesn't suit material design. It exactly represents material design, just a not so appealing implementation of the style.

Fatal1ty_93_RUS

I'd rather prefer Google do a complete rebranding of "Play" services to get rid of the name entirely and just have Google [Product Name] i.e. Google Music, Google Books, Google Movies, Google Games, Google Services (could be renamed approriately)

I mean they did rename the Play Store to just Google Store

After all, this seems to be a big year for Google:
- new major Android version
- new Google CEO
- company restructurization (Alphabet and etc.)
- new Google logo (two years since the last logo change have passed)

Might as well touch upon the services they provide, AND create a new logo for the app store

And of course the old argument about stuff like Play Books -> Google Books (IMO the name just doesn't make sense, you can't PLAY books per se, though the naming works with other products like Movies and Games)

Ironically, the new changes to how sd cards work could solve many storage issues.

Đức Thành

The big question is whether new Nexus users will be able to actually take advantage of that or not, since we're not totally sure if there will even be an SD card slot.

blindexecutioner

I don't need more than 16GB. I am still fine with the 8GB on my Nexus 7 2012. Just backup your pictures to One Drive and delete them from your phone once in awhile and you'll be fine. I'd take the lower cost vs 32GB any day.

neonix

You've been bamboozled. Higher increments of flash storage shouldn't be a significant cost. We should have phones with 32GB standard for little to no increase in price over a 16GB model.

Mark Curtis

False dichotomy much?

pfmiller

Of course it's a false dichotomy. There is absolutely no reason why Google can't and shouldn't do both.

Pretty much, I just have a feeling <.< probably wrong will be the end of the month :P

Cole C

Let's say the Nexus family get shown off on Sept 29th, would the Moto Nexus 6 get it on that day or will the new Nexus family get it first?

123

29.sep

Badouken

Yeah I know, I just have a feeling <.< probably wrong though haha

Mathieu Poirier

Maybe it's just me, but the colour scheme for the respective sections seems darker. Not the header or notification bar, but little things like the "more" button, and the installed checked bag.

SpasilliumNexus

Very minor change here. Line and redeem button are colorized now. BTW, eww old logo still.

chrisada

This doesn't work on my N5 running M Preview 1. It installed, but forced close on open. Grrr..

Dianne Hackborn

It's a preview. Later previews change things from previous ones. That is why it is not a final API. You can't expect apps built against one preview version to be compatible with anything else. (So the answer is: don't run an old build of the OS.)

chrisada

I didn't expect it to work. I tried it, and it doesn't work. I didn't even complain about it. I am just trying to fix the problem.

Your "answer" is to a question not being asked.

Cole C

Strange. I updated with my Moto G running 4.4.4.

O’s Fan91

Install an old apk from apkmirror

Randroid

An old apk (of any app) won't install if a newer version is already installed

O’s Fan91

Never new this

Randroid

/data/data/com.android.vending

Nuno G.

M1 ?!?! lolol... the last one is M3... it works fine on my N5 M3...

SpasilliumNexus

The "Redeem" button and its line are colorized now. But Google, how to consistency?

The "Redeem" button changes to match the "Confirm" button upon entering info, but the "Confirm" button is the same, whether filled or not, unlike the "Redeem" button.

Zsolt V

You are very observant.... And anal.

Brad

good thing you blocked out your balance... don't want anyone getting THAT personal info from you

Quint’s Sharking & Seashells

If only he would have shown his balance, I could have stolen his acct. Damn, so close!

Dan Gerbe

Don't be a cunt

Brad

"Do as I say not as I do"?

jlmcr87x

They forgot to add a slide to refresh my apps.

Cole C

Do you mean like in Chrome you pull down at the top of the page to refresh/reload?

jlmcr87x

Exactly. Thanks

Cole C

That was a fast reply! Did you get an email telling you that I commented on your post?

jlmcr87x

Yes.

Cole C

Nice. Could you try and answer this please. Let's say the Nexus family get shown off on Sept 29th, would the Moto Nexus 6 get it on that day or will the new Nexus family get it first?

jlmcr87x

Last year old nexus got Lollipop by mid november.

Cole C

Could you jog my memory, when did the Nexus 6&9 arrive at people's door step?

jlmcr87x

Probably when my nexus 5 two years ago. In the first week on november.

Cole C

Are you interested in the LG Nexus this year? I think it's funny that a lot of people keep calling it a midrange phone because it has the SD 808 lol. So what if it doesn't have the 810. If I could make up a a SOC it would be the 805 but 64 bit. I believe it would be faster than the 808. I know GPU wise it would be. I don't know about CPU wise though, or the 808 with the Adreno 430. Unless the Adreno 430 is what is causing the heat issues.

jimv1983

I don't have a problem with the CPU at all. My biggest problem is the 2,700mAh battery.

Cole C

I'm very interested in this year's Nexus 5. I like the panda bear color scheme. I definitely want to see what the light blue will look like.

I never realized that it didn't work this way. I always assumed it did just deplete your credit and then pick up the rest from your CC.

Kurama91

STILL Waiting for the ability to Lock/Unlock apps using Fingerprint by Default!!

mr.fozzo

I want the ability to lock down access to specific apps via pin/pattern/fingerprint.

Andrew Palmer

I notice when browsing the Play store on mobile data screenshots when you go into an app are not auto-downloaded. You now have a download arrow you have to press. There's no auto-download image option in settings either. What the hell Google?

Rae

If I install via the apk, will future updates still get downloaded automatically our will using the apk now break that?

Demetri

Who needs an uninstall manager? All of its features can easily be done in Android's settings.

A pointless feature that actually will take up more space. Kind of ridiculous if you ask me.

Nathan

To everyone complaining about the look of an icon - just get an icon pack and style your android device to however you want! I love the icon I use for Google play it's an alternative option in the velur icon pack.